Optimum nutrition means giving yourself the best possible intake of nutrients to allow your body to be as healthy as it possibly can. This guide shows how to achieve this, and also: what a well-balanced diet really means; how to boost your immune system; how to increase your energy and fitness levels; how to prevent cancer and turn back the ageing clock; how to avoid heart disease and lower your blood pressure without drugs; why the wrong fats can kill and the right fats can heal; and how to increase your IQ, memory and mental performance. Answer the questionnaires in the book to discover exactly which nutrients you need to supplement, then follow the step-by-step plan to create your own personal supplement programme.
Do you want more energy, emotional balance, health, mental sharpness, resistance to disease, and a longer, productive life? You can achieve this by changing your eating habits to achieve the ideal balance of essential nutrients, asserts Patrick Holford, a leading British nutritional author and founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London.
While it may sound simple, this isn't an easy task--Holford identifies 50 essential nutrients, and each person's need for each nutrient may be different--so you'll need a healthful diet plus supplementation. In its simplest terms, Holford recommends a diet that is 70 percent carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruit, avoiding sugar and refined foods), 15 percent protein (mostly vegetable protein from beans, lentils, quinoa, soy, and legumes), and 15 percent fat (Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils), supplemented with a high-strength vitamin and mineral preparation and 1,000 mg of vitamin C a day. This book goes much deeper than these recommendations, with discussions of antioxidants, phytochemicals, heart health, immune boosters, hormonal balance, bone health, infection fighting, and much more. Questionnaires help you pinpoint your individual need for dietary change and supplementation. Holford also includes the nutrient needs and dietary advice for specific diseases. A valuable resource. --Joan Price
